The Healing Properties of Acacia (Gum Arabic)

Acacia (Acacia Nilotica) -Acacia is a large shrub, common to India and Africa, which has grey branches with grey-green leaves with fragrant pale yellow flowers. Acacia is a soothing herb, is a demulcent and has antiphlogistic properties. It is good for treating inflammation of tissues, as it forms a coating, which acts to reduce irritation and stimulate healing. It does this by soothing the irritated mucus membranes of the throat, stomach, bowels, uterus and vaginal areas.

Credit: pixabay.comStudies show that it may be used to rid the mouth of the bacteria, that causes periodontal disease and gum disease. Acacia gum is helpful in treating cold symptoms and relieving sore throats, just dilute in water and gargle daily. The acacia flowers are useful in treating a hangover, nausea and vomiting when made into a tea. Acacia tea also soothes voice loss and hoarseness.

Gum Arabic was harvested by the Bedouin tribes of the Middle East, is highly nutritious. They used it medicinally to soothe irritated areas of the digestive tract. The gum is harvested from the plant by gathering the mature pods and crushing them. It is often applied to affected skin to treat minor wounds and scrapes.

It can also be an astringent medicine high in tannins, by boiling down the wood and evaporating the solution so as to get an extract. A 19th-century Ethiopian medical text describes “a potion made from an Ethiopian species of Acacia (known as grar) mixed with the root of the tacha, then boiled, as a cure for rabies”. (1)

The powder is rich in nutrients, which is the primary reason why nomadic tribes, often resorted to its consumption in the deserts, which had scarce or little vegetation. Acacia Powder can be used to cure infections of internal organs like the respiratory, digestive and the urinary tract. Acacia Powder is also a key element in preventing fermentation in the colon, and can prevent Colon Cancer and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.